What LDS Scriptures Really Say About Eating Meat

Free Guides: 

How Not to Die Cliff Notes: https://www.plantwhys.com/signup-cliffnotes 

Free one week meal guide: https://www.plantwhys.com/free-1-week-meal-guide-sign-up-1 

Free Guide: How to Ease into Eating More Plants: https://www.plantwhys.com/plantwhys-2-0 

Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode, Ali dives into the lesser-discussed scriptures in Doctrine & Covenants 49—and what they actually say about eating meat. Many focus on the verses that reject religious food restrictions, but what about verse 21’s bold warning?

You’ll explore:

• What “forbidding to abstain from meats” really meant in the 1800s

• Why verse 21 might be the most overlooked scripture in the Word of Wisdom

• The historical context of Shakers, early LDS prophets, and plant-based living

• Direct quotes from Brigham Young, George Q. Cannon, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, and others

• Scientific data linking overconsumption of meat to heart disease, cancer, and especially rising colorectal cancer rates in young adults

• Who should be cautious with a fully plant-based diet due to genetic or medical concerns

• Why eating meat "sparingly" is a personal stewardship choice, not a blanket commandment

Ali weaves scripture, prophetic counsel, and modern science into one eye-opening conversation that helps LDS listeners align their lifestyle with God’s preference—without judgment or dogma.

Takeaways:

• The Word of Wisdom promotes stewardship and moderation, not rigid food rules

• Meat is not forbidden, but using it without true need comes with spiritual and physical consequences

• Eating with gratitude (even high-fat food!) can change our body's physiological response

• “One size fits most” applies to plant-based living—there are rare, legitimate exceptions

• Encouragement is not the same as commandment; compassion must never be coerced

Mentioned Scriptures & Sources:

• D&C 49:18–21

• D&C 89:12–13

• D&C 58:26

• 1 Timothy 4:1–3

• JST Genesis 9:11

• Scientific studies on red and processed meat risks (heart disease, cancer, TMAO)

• Colorectal cancer trends among young adults (ACS and JAMA data)

Bonus Insight:
Ali explains how the Word of Wisdom is a chiasmus, a literary structure that reveals the central message as the most important: D&C 89:10–11 — eat herbs and fruits with prudence and thanksgiving.

Resources & Links:

• 💚 Try Better Greens and save 10% with code PLANTWHYS

• 🌱 Join the PlantWhys Membership for recipes, support, and science-backed strategies: plantwhys.com

• 🍽️ Subscribe to the PlantWhys YouTube channel for easy, family-friendly plant-based meals

Join the Conversation:
Have you ever reconsidered how often you eat meat based on scripture? What does “need” look like in your life? DM Ali on Instagram @plantwhys or leave a review sharing your thoughts.

Sponsor: Better Greens — Save 10% with code PLANTWHYS https://betterdaysco.com/collections/